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The tropical prayer plant (Maranta leuconeura) has decorative foliage that folds up at night and opens during the day. Plants can grow outdoors in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 10 and 11; however, they also make attractive indoor plants for cooler climates. Prayer plants require proper care for the leaves to open and close, and indoor plants that become root bound experience stunted growth.

Root Bound Plants

As plants grow, you notice this growth above the soil, but you do not see the root growth taking place beneath the soil. It is important to keep in mind that as the plant grows, so does its roots. Once the roots grow to the point where there is no room to expand in the pot, the roots begin to wrap around themselves and become entangled. Once a prayer plant becomes root bound, it cannot grow properly and must be repotted.

When to Repot

You can check the prayer plant roots to determine if the plant is root bound. While prayer plants generally require re-potting once a year or so, you can check the root ball if the plant has certain symptoms, such as needing water more often, wilted foliage, stunted growth or the plant is just not growing properly. To check the root system, turn the pot upside down, holding the plant between your fingers. Tap on the bottom of the pot so the roots slide out of the pot. If the roots are brown or appear crowded, it is time for a larger pot.

Repotting

When time to repot, choose a container that is about 1 to 2 inches in diameter larger than the current pot, and make sure it has drainage holes. Water the plant and allow water run through the drainage holes prior to repotting. This helps hold the soil together when removing the plant from the pot. Place a layer of fresh potting soil in the new pot. Turn the old pot upside down to remove the plant. If you have trouble, run a blade around the pot's edge or tap the bottom of the pot. Place the plant in the new pot, and fill in around the sides with fresh potting soil. Do not pack the soil tightly, because this will prevent air getting to the roots.

Dividing Plants

You can repot and propagate prayer plants by division in February through March. Instead of placing the plant in a new pot after removing, wash off the roots and cut through the rhizomes with a sharp knife. The pieces are then repotted in separate pots, just large enough to hold roots comfortably without cramping them. Add water until it runs through the drainage holes and do not water again until the soil is dry to the touch.

About the Author

Based in Indiana, Molly Allman holds a B.A. in professional writing. She works as both a writer and author and enjoys writing articles on many different topics. She specializes in topics concerning health, crafts, family and lifestyles. Her fiction writing appears in "Bewildering Stories," "The Other Herald" and "Spectacular Speculations."